Newcastle has set a high transfer price for Alexander Isak as Arsenal looks to secure a deal.
Newcastle is demanding nearly £200 million for Alexander Isak as they prepare to fend off interest from Arsenal this summer.
Isak, 24, has had his most prolific season yet, scoring 25 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. This includes 21 goals in the Premier League, making him the third top scorer in the league behind Erling Haaland (27) and Cole Palmer (22).
Remarkably, Isak had the second-best minutes-per-goal ratio among the top 20 Premier League scorers, with 108 minutes per goal, just behind Haaland’s 95. His impressive season has attracted attention from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid.
After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his squad this summer, particularly looking for a new center forward. Sporting CP’s Victor Gyokeres and Brentford’s Ivan Toney are among those linked with a move to the Emirates.
Isak is also a target following his excellent season at St James’ Park. However, The Telegraph reports that Newcastle has no intention of selling him this summer. Eddie Howe sees the former Real Sociedad forward as crucial to their future plans as they aim to build on their seventh-place finish.
Newcastle has dismissed suggestions that a £90 million offer would be sufficient for Isak, insisting that Arsenal would need to double that amount before they would even consider negotiating. The Magpies are also prepared to persuade Isak to remain in the North East if Arsenal makes a move.
When asked about his future last month, Isak expressed his desire to stay at Newcastle, stating, “I came here for the project, I absolutely love playing here, I really feel at home.”
If Arsenal were to meet the reported £180 million price tag, it would be the second-most expensive transfer ever, behind Neymar’s £198 million move. Isak joined Newcastle from Sociedad for £63 million in August 2022 and has since scored 35 goals in 67 matches.
The report comes shortly after Ian Wright urged Arsenal to sign the Swedish forward this summer. Wright noted on Premier League Productions that Isak’s playing style and ability to link up play would fit well at Arsenal, emphasizing the need for a forward who can capitalize on half-chances.